The battle of Belatona

[Ember]

Issie was already running before she had any concious thought of the matter. She had no hope of getting to her dragon who was 50ft and higher off the ground but she had seen the dragon charge up after her with a different intent. He didn't just wish to talk to her now and Issie was not going to let her dragon die on her, not so young. She was sort of aware of men around her, throwing weapons her way but her body was on auto pilot. Elves were good fighters for a reason, they were quicker than humans and they were deadly precise. It was very unlikely they would miss their target even when their minds were clouded like this. Other riders needed their help now, Tierar and Issie needed to join together one again so that they could help those people. She did stop however when she saw the Sapphire dragon high above them. She paused and blinked once to adjust her vision. Was it her...? Sapphira? The one who she had helped rescue? If it was then she had grown so much, had grown so strong. Her hearted lifted and then her eyes went back to her diamond spec in the clouds who was giving the black dragon a chase. She needed to get up there or cause a distraction. Anything.
I can do this! Tierar shouted through her mind and Issie winced. Of course the stubborn lizard would want to fight on her own, it was a fight of strength and Tie wanted to prove herself, just like all dragons would. Issie however couldn't help but wanted to help. She couldn't live without her dragon, she really had no idea how she would find the will to go on with her long life without her dragon. Oh yes she understood why her mother's whole body visibly rocked at the death of her dragon, the mad grief which plagued her eyes. She understood it all now.

To take her mind off of it she needed to help someone else. She spotted Nausada and her men head towards the inner keep and she set off to help from the inside. Tierar had dropped her literally on top of the palace roof. She had completely forgot that the soldiers outside couldn't get in in the same way and her heart filled with guilt - she shouldn't have thought like that, it was obnoxious and rude. Issie tore through the still quiet streets of the inner city with a silence and grace which would have impressed her father. She made sure to keep to the shadows for she couldn't take on a whole army by herself. After what seemed like ages she was at the edge of the walls. She pressed her back firmly to the wall, listening to the pounding of the army on the other side. She watched quietly as the men readied themselves, got into formation. All those lives.... She dipped to a crouch and slunk along the wall, tugging the hood of her cape up she ducked into the shed like building next to the gate which controlled the mechanism. The men looked up but with a whispered word two dropped down with blood pouring from their nose and ears while she silence the others with two knives Only then did she move to the pulley. Other men would be here soon and she couldn't fight in such a small space. Gritting her teeth she yanked hard on the large wheel. The gate groaned and slowly began to open. It was meant to be manned by two men, she thought as her muscles screamed in protest as she pushed the heavy wheel down. Inch by inch the gate rose. She could hear men exclaim on the inside and thundering footsteps, angry demands and orders to stop the rising of the gate. She pulled on some energy and whispered a spell to quicken her progress. Once done she jammed one of the soldiers blades into the cog so it couldn't be lowered and enchanted it for extra protection before slipping out of the building and into the shadows before the men reached the bloody sight within. Whoever had been right at the front of the gate were the first to meet the army. Issie slid her blade free and sliced the first man's head before he could raise his weapon against Nausada and her men. She offered a slight smile before hacking into the next man.


Tierar swallowed the rage as the black dragon shot after her. He wasn't being friendly anymore, that was gone. He felt all wrong, like she'd seen a spark in him and then it had been doused. She wondered where his rider was or where the elf she had met the other day way - or his dragon for that matter. Tierar glanced around for the amusing Golden-One just before the black dragon went to attack her stomach. Tierar growled angrily and then decided to try something else, other than fight back. Instead she welcomed his claws and twisted her body so she could circle round his body and began to twist so the pair began to move round and round in a very fast movement. As the wind picked up it would clip his wings if he didn't pull them in like Tierar had done. She was aware of the pain in her stomach but she had no want to hurt him back that much. Once the speed was over 50mph she let go and ripped his talons from her stomach to send him spiralling away from her, probably dizzy. She was vaguely aware of Issie's mental touch as her bleeding stopped but Tie had no time, that dragon would be back soon when his world stopped spinning. She angled her wings away from the people below and shot over towards the Empire Soldiers. If they were going to fight she'd rather endanger Empire me than Varden men. As an insult to Voids ties she smashed her wing against one spiral of the palace the soldiers were heading for, causing it to crack and topple to the floor with a sickening crunch of stone on human flesh.
Why are you so stubborn Void?! she used the name she had learned from the smaller black dragon as she circled round the palace. She would take the blasted thing down with her if they were to fight.
We could help! You could help us to kill him! she invited the idea to come to life in his mind. If he helped when they reached Uru'bean they would stand a better chance.

[Zilo]

Standing there axe at ready, Zilo watched the man return his feelings. “True I can never understand your feelings. For I am not you, nor was I captured and raised that way. But, I do know the feelings of seeing someone I care for destroyed in front of my eyes. I lost my father and mother….The King will die I promise you that.” He said moving around the man and he had expected as much he charged forward first. Jumping backward he threw his axe against the blades side. Knocking it away instead of meeting edge to edge. “I know about Rider swords….But touching the side of blades their harmless.” He moved inwards closer using his right arm to flick away the mans other arm a technique he had been shown.

“Just because my axe is big doesn’t mean I can’t use it in this situation!” He said bringing his axe around with his left hand. He wasn’t holding anything back as the blade came flying across whistling at this distance and in closeness the blade would not touch the guy. Only the metal holding made from its material would hit him. Which it was like a steel club hitting him, “Like I said I don’t wish to fight!” he said brining the axe into a full blown striking speed.

When he finished swinging the axe whether or not it hit, he had already begun to fall back out of the reaches of the blades. He couldn’t afford taking a hit from them. If one thing at all he had learned it was that Rider blades could cut through armor easily. But smiling he held his axe to the side to use to only for knocking away the sides of the blade. “And my axe isn’t a normal one. Its blades are forged like a katanas’. It can survive a few strikes from a Riders blade. Not much but it can.” He said. Suddenly the pain in his left calf got to him. Stumbling a little bit he took his ground and stood there. “Well here’s another disadvantage of mine.” He said laughing waiting for the man to come at him.

Standing there he spoke in a soft voice. “But, aiy you say he can’t be killed. You don’t know that. I will not be able too I know that much. But there is one rider among us who can. If you take your orders and attack but not kill, just threaten people…Then we may have a chance to win. And you are granted your freedom.” He said standing there breathing a little bit from the amount of blood he was losing. Standing straight up in a manor that seemed casual, but at the same time on guard, “Though for speaking of respect. I have found I respect all riders. Even the King at times, but you are different. You’re the first to show me this kind of respect.” He said looking at him. “And we can have this as a friendly fight right here and now.” Speaking in ancient language he asked the man for a spar of friends. Not enemies.

[Darren]

"I am sorry; Levonla Elessar Tinuviel, but I must obey my orders."

As Emily charged, Levonla could feel the presence of something other than Emily’s mind. Snatching up his spear and shield, he leapt up into the air, twisting nimbly and dodging Emily’s blade as he slashed Thieren through the air.

The Brightsteel blade collided with what little wards emily had put up to defend herself and as the wards were destroyed, they bathed the golden tip of the spear in a warm, orange flame.

“I will not fight you, Emily.” Levonla cried, “I hope that one day Galbatorix will be destroyed and you will be set free.”
With those words, Levonla slashed at Emily one more time with Thieren, attempting to force her to leap back. Then, shouting a phrase in the Ancient Language, he disappeared completely, reappearing on the battlements hundreds of meters from where Emily was standing.

With a stroke of his sword, he sliced through a score of archers as he aimed Thieren at a section of the wall.
“Stenr slauta!”

There was a massive explosion as the section of the wall shattered, allowing a party of Urgals and Varden warriors to enter Belatona. Smiling, Levonla watched as humans, dwarves, elves and Urgals streamed into the city.

[Emily Drachen]

Void wasn't sure what was happening as the diamond-scaled female began to wrap herself around him. Quickly, though, he caught on and tucked his wings in, his grip on the females neck growing slightly tighter as they began to spin. He racked his claws against her underbelly as the female began to twist them into a spiral. He didn't bother trying to push away from her he understood exactly what she was going to do, and accepted it as a good move. As they gained speed within their spiral, Void began to feel slightly dizzy, but not too much. He noticed they were closing the gap between themselves and the ground, and then he felt his claws separate from the female, and his grip on her neck loosened as she pushed herself away from him, leaving him to spiral. He was going to fast to stop himself quickly, but began to uncurl his wings to catch the air. His spiral began to slow, but he couldn't stop himself from hurtling to the ground. With a great effort, he used the spiral top his advantage and angled himself to spiral towards a group of Varden soldiers, fire gathering up in his belly. Seconds before impact, he released a jet of black fire down upon the soldiers before crashing into the ground and into a building. He crashed in a way that he would actually roll instead of just crash solidly, minimizing the damage that would be done. The jet of fire made sure that he had a bit of landing as well as to cook his enemies. There was a loud, thundering sound as the building he had crashed into collapsed on top of him. A wave of dust and smoke emitted from his point of landing, followed by men screaming in panic and a loud roar.

The dust began to settle slowly as Void began to rise from his mess of a landing point. Both his wings had sizable tears in them, but his bones were intact. He clawed his way out of the pile of rubble, his wings close to his body to keep from damaging them more. It had been a risky deal, but he at least had been able to take some soldiers out on his crash. Bodies were littered around in the rubbish, and the body of a soldier as stuck to his largest horn in his head. He shook his head to remove the body, crawling slowly out of the mess. He had landed about 20 feet from his course that the diamond-scaled dragon had set. He managed to free himself with little effort, crawling above the wreckage to look around for the female, his black eyes angry, but slightly amused. Slowly, he folded his wings out as he searched, then began to check the damage. Both of his wings were torn, but none of his bones were broken, which meant he could fly. His wings were painful and bled profusely, though, covering him in scarlet blood. He looked around once more for the diamond dragon, spotting her just as she began to talk to him. He let out a low growl, folding up his wings as he watched her. He pondered her words for a minute, then sighed.

Why are YOU so stubborn, Diamond-Scales? He started, his voice rougher then usual, What is the point of fighting him? Another two-legger, ten times more evil then Galbatorix-egg-stealer will just rise up in his place, and then what? What is the point of wishing for something that will just as easily be taken away from you? Despite what he said, her words slowly inspired a small, little hope within him. Being free meant everything to him and his Rider. They both had the same hope, the same desire to be free, but......He looked around for the young dragon, Firern. He couldn't just...leave him! He was young, and mold-able. He knew it would be easy for Galbatorix to corrupt him. He looked back at the diamond dragon, his eyes black and void of any emotion but a small glint of hope mixed together with sadness and regret. He spread out his wings, their tears would cause some flight problems, but he knew Emily would fix them later, after the battle. He checked each one separately, cleaning the tears slowly. The bleeding came to a stop, and he finally tucked them back to his body. They would heal in time, he knew that. He also knew he was vulnerable in his state; he wouldn't be able to fly very well, but he did have a better time on the ground because of his snake-like body. Slowly, he crawled off of the pile of rubbish, slowly crawling across the ground, his eyes locked onto the diamond dragon. He didn't want to hurt her again, but he knew he had to make sure there was no doubt in his loyalty, especially if he had any chance of freedom. He knew Emily was going through the same thing with her Elven enemy. Neither wanted to hurt their enemy, but they had to in order to keep themselves from becoming subjects. He quickly made his way to a building, crawled up the side, and used his claws to keep him in place on the side of the building. He waited for the female to either attack him or speak. Hopefully, she wouldn't notice how tight he was compressing his muscles, ready to spring in case she did try to attack him. He pushed himself closer to the building to add more jump in case he needed to, and waited.

But then, suddenly, Emily pricked his mind, and he understood. He glared at the female before leaping away from the wall, running towards the place were Emily was.

-------------------------------------

[She didn't have any wards.......]

Emily wasn't sure what was happening until Levonla leaped out of the way of her dagger, slashing down with his brightsteel. She was able to twist herself so that the sword would miss her, but the small wards she had kept up were gone. As he slashed down again, she jumped to the side, watching as he yelled a phrase before disappearing, leaving her alone on the battle field. She straightened, looking around absently and searching for Void. She lightly pricked his mind, knowing what she wanted. Then, she began to work on repairing his wings; they would need them if they were going to make those soldiers withdraw.

As she waited, she looked for the Elf, frowning. She would give anything to help them take the city, but she knew that it would just get them killed. She watched as they poured in, and a smile crossed her face.

"Void......I think we should start 'helping' this war."

What did you have in mind? Void asked, standing behind her, his wings fully healed. He kept them tucked in as Emily turned to climb atop his back, helping her up.

"You killed the saddle......again. Oh well." She muttered, adjusting her seat so she had a better balance. Void looked around, licking his lips and grinning. He took a step forward, causing Emily to almost topple forward. She righted herself, getting used to Voids walking pattern.

"First of all.........Could you 'accidentally' start flying and crash into that wall to let in more soldiers, from the outside so the rubble doesn't crush em."

Of course. I would need a reason, but I have one. Void said, then reached out the the female. His idea was crazy, and he knew Emily would have to use magic to keep her seat if she wished to stay on, but then he noticed she slipped off his back, smiling. "I'm going to 'attack' Levonla. Ya know, tear down some walls." She grinned, placing her sword in her scabbard before heading over to the Elf. Void smiled, if he knew her, she would do something less then smart. Shaking his head, he focused on that diamond-scaled dragon. He would need her for his plan.

Diamond scales....I need you to chase me outside the city, fight me, and then do that spiral attack. Refusing to give her more information of the situation, he took off into the air, flying after Teirar, his motives much different then when he had started. He finally caught a glimpse of her, and angled himself towards her.

Meanwhile, Emily ran towards the Elf, jumping over dwarf's, dodging attacks, and basically causing havoc without actually killing anybody. She finally spotted the Elf over all the mayhem, and stopped. She quietly muttered a phrase in the ancient language, causing a large amount of the wall to break from the rest and rush towards the Elf. Her goal wasn't to crush him, but still....he didn't need to know that.

"Can't run from a fight, especially from me." She called over the battle, grinning.


[ooc]Longest post ever! It's huge! XP Well, for me, anyway. Sorry if i wrote a novel for ye all, I was enjoying myself XP[/ooc]

[Darren]

There was a bang as Emily’s spell caused rocks to tumble towards Levonla. He felt some of his energy being drained as his wards deflected the torrent of rocks, causing them to rebound a meter away from Levonla’s body and crush a few empire soldiers.

Infuriated, Levonla shouted at Emily mentally, his mind slamming against hers.

“I will not fight you, Emily Draco! I told you before and you still have the audacity to attack me with my back turned?!”
Spinning around, he raised his spear, looking for the girl. Instead, he saw a section of the wall that was blasted apart by Emily’s spell, allowing more Varden soldiers to pour into Belatona.

Tearing his mind from Emily’s he ducked as a group of archers aimed at him. Five barbed arrows flew at him, narrowly missing his weakening wards. Leaping up, Levonla attacked the archers, slamming into them with his shield and decapitating them with Thieren.

Cutting through the score of soldiers, Levonla suddenly had an idea. Taking control of the last archer’s weak mind, he forced him to fire at the other archers on the opposite wall, picking them off one by one.

Once there were no more archers, he forced the archer to leap off the wall, impaling himself on a pike. Levonla grimaced as he turned away from the gruesome scene.

‘Levonla!’ Raziel’s voice rang through Levonla’s head, ‘Are you all right?’

‘I’m fine, Raz!’ exclaimed Levonla, ‘Now go, before anyone attacks my mind and hears you speak!’

Feeling the presence of Raziel’s mind withdraw from his, he turned his attention to his magic student, Zilo who was listening intently to an Elf of the Empire.

“Zilo!” he cried, “Do not fight with him! He has centuries of experience, especially with different kinds of magic. Please, Zilo!”
Reaching out with his mind, he searched for Raziel.
‘Raz! Now is the time! Zilo is picking a fight with an Elf! We have to go and help him!’

‘Now you need me?’ Raziel chuckled.

There was a roar as Raziel shot out from behind a cloud, golden fire streaming out of his open maw. Soldiers of the Empire and Varden alike scampered out of the way like frightened mice hiding from a badger as Raziel flew down from the sky.

Leaping nimbly onto Raziel’s back, Levonla raised Thieren and flew with Raziel’s back to Zilo.

Roaring, Raziel immersed the enemies in fire, reducing them to dust as Levonla slashed and stabbed with Thieren, cutting through wards and drawing blood.

[Merril]

Always strain. Always blood. Always the hot sting of sweat and the thrill of war's vibrations thundering through his chest. Nar Ahrun was in the midst of a blood-rage, and the howling Urgals around him had joined in.

The soldiers of the Varden had proven to be fast and strong, but as the battle had begun, the Urgals had ruled the field just as the Dragon Riders had ruled the air. It had not been long before their ladders and battering rams had taken them over and through the walls, into the waiting city of Belatona. Ahrun let out a roar. More a sound of power and instinct than any form of language. However, the Urgals understood. It meant to push harder. It meant to not hold back.

Ahrun reached to his face and tore off the chain-mail cowl that he had donned before the battle before taking up his sword again. The war-chief rushed forward, thrusting his shield before him and into the phalanx of Imperials waiting. His brethren around him threw themselves in a similar fashion. As the Imperials were pushed back, all hell broke loose, and their formation shattered. The Urgals had always been skirmishers and berserkers. Their fury knew no equal. Ahrun roared again as he took three more soldiers in the head and shoulders with his massive sword.

Garzhvog and the Kull sprinted past then, and there was no hope of the Imperials retaking the breech. Ahrun's chest heaved as he stopped within the ruin of the gate and cast his wild glance around, a lone figure under a broken portculis. He watched as the Dragons battled and as the wards that Eragon had errected protected the Urgals from the worst of the magics flying around. He himself wore Urgal wards, placed by tribe Andaruk's shaman. His battle-madness was subsiding. It seemed that the day was all but won.

Retaking his innitiative, Nar Ahrun trotted forward, rejoining his clansmen. Together they wrecked the remaining resistance at the Southern gate and moved into the streets as the Varden soldiers moved in to cover their flanks.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal shook his head at Zilo's words. He didn't see how anyone could kill the King let alone land a single blow on him. He had little doubt that the Varden had even the slightest chance.When Zilo swung his axe at him Emiryal just nimbly dodged to the side with surprising speed. He had waited until the last minute to move and remained unscathed. He flicked his sword again at Zilo as the man explained the uniqueness in his ax. "Then I'll just have to keep hitting it then won't I," he said seeming unconcerned. All he had to do was break through Zilo's defense and get a good solid blow on him.

When Zilo stumbled Emiryal darted forward to slash at Zilo's gut twice, once with each sword from opposite directions. The movement left him exposed but he trusted his wards would fend off any attacks. He had stopped talking as much now as he didn't feel a conversation now had much relevance on the outcome of this fight.

"I really doubt your rider, Eragon, can. If he was of any threat to Galbatorix, Eragon would not be with the Varden now, but perhaps in a cell in Urû'baen," he said. "And I cannot do that. I am sworn to the Empire and there is no mistaking or twisting the orders to what I want, I will never have freedom."

Emiryal withdrew a pace and took up a defensive stance. For a moment he considered accepting the friendly spar offered. But then he shook his head and his expression hardened. "I cannot," he replied in the ancient language. "Not here."



Firern unleashed another inferno of flames upon the Varden soldiers and with a fore claw he swiftly killed any that had survived his flames.

He looked up just in time to see Void crash into a tower. He roared and then redoubled his efforts in attacking the Varden around him. He respected Void and was concerned to see the tower collapse. Part of his attention was on Void and his movements. Void was wiser and older than he. He was not listening to Void's thoughts though, to do so would be disrespectful and dangerous. If he let down his guard magicians might try to seize the chance and attack his mind. His mind was even closed to Emiryal right now, though if he felt Emiryal brush his mind he would lower his guard just enough to listen to his Rider.

Firern whipped his tail towards a soldier who was either stupid or incredibly brave. For the soldier ran right for him with a long spear. Firern was distracted as he saw Raziel and Levonla coming towards his Rider. He felt the spear only slightly as the wards deflected the blow. He glared at the soldier and then bathed him in black flames until little was left of him.

"Emiryal!" he thought. "We have company." By now Firern had moved some distance away from Emiryal as he fought the Varden soldiers. He quickly opened his wings and took off. He flew towards Emiryal. It was not the ideal place for him to be on the ground when Raziel and Levonla attacked but he wouldn't leave his Rider to face them alone.



Emiryal suddenly looked to the sky as he heard Firern's warning. He said nothing to Zilo but he looked frustrated now. He didn't want to break off their fight but there was a more pressing fight coming. He readied himself and glanced around for Firern who was flying towards him now. He doubted Firern would make it to him before Raziel and Levonla did. His fight with Zilo would have to continue later, that was if Zilo lived through the battle.

[Darren]

"You shall not harm any more people!" Levonla shrieked as he shot down from the sky on Raziel's back, Thieren raised, poised to strike.

In the distance, a dark dragon shot through the air, coming to protect its rider.

Raziel suddenly changed course in the air, heading towards the dark dragon with his claws outstretched.

'You will not harm Zilo!' boomed Raziel, clawing and slashing at the dark dragon, golden fire streaming from his open maw leaving Emiryal and Zilo to their own devices.

'Raziel, we have to go fight Emiryal off before he kills Zilo!' exclaimed Levonla, slashing at the dragon's wards with Thieren.

Biting and slashing at the enemy dragon one last time, Raziel took flight, diving towards Zilo.

"Take care of Emiryal's dragon!" Levonla ordered, "The rider himself is already very powerful, we cannot afford to have his dragon to fight too."

'Alright, Levonla.' Raziel replied, 'Take care.'

With those words, Levonla leapt off the golden dragon's back, landing beside Zilo.

"You traitor or the alfakyn!" he spat at Emiryal, "What elf in the right mind would join Galbatorix?!"

"You will not harm my student!" he exclaimed, leaping in front of Zilo and raising Thieren so that the golden tip of the spear rested inches away from Emiryal's face.

Glaring defiantly at Emiryal, he stood in from of his friend and magic pupil, protecting him from harm.

[Zilo]

Standing there hearing the man speak to him he smiled slightly. But noticing him dodging the axe he smiled. Maybe this would be fun. Seeing him bring his swords around he caught the side of the left one with his axe making it rift upwards from his axes curved blade ends. Watching the second go for his abdomen, he took a step closer making it where the elfs arm bounced into his side getting Zilo away with just a blunt force that hurt a little. Smiling to him he began walking around a little bit breathing.

“I might not be as strong as you, but I do know how to fight with an elf I have had some training. And besides you say its not possible. And if there was someone strong enough you’d think he’d capture them? Have you not thought the other way on whether hes waiting for them to come to him? Have you thought that through Galbatrox own self esteem would be his downfall? Have you not that that maybe his pride in his strength would be his own defeat?” He got interrupted by when his teacher called out to him. Turning his attention just in time to move out of the way as his teacher was landing beside him, starring at his teacher in surprise.

Suddenly he heard the teacher calling the man a traitor. Sensing the hate and resentment he put his hand out grabbing his old teacher by the shoulder and drawing him closer to him shaking his head. “He isn’t a traitor he hasn’t had the chance to be free since he was born Elda. Instead he has been stuck him and his dragon most of his life with Galb.” He said turning his attention back to the man remembering the story he was told and he spoke to him. “Turn now….Don’t get into a fight with Levonla….He has been studying magic for years….Go to the field south of here. There is Varden men I heard over talking about betraying us… They plan to sell our tactics to your king for their freedom and money. You can kill them…And still be following your orders!” He said.

Zilo had no tolerance to traitors. Standing there he took his axe and pointed it at Fiern. “I will wish to fight yall again. But on a more friendly term and more of sport than life, because as I see….I respect yall. And you two do not deserve to be counted in my path of vengeance. I wish not to see yall harmed at all.” Standing there he smiled slightly. “No instead you deserve to be free. To be able to spar with me when you wish. Without a life or death situation, and I promise that before I die I will make sure you have your freedom. And your spar with me!” he said smiling slightly.

Suddenly he saw something flash from behind the elfin warrior he was fighting. Just a small glimpse of something spark from behind. Suddenly moving forward he twisted around his teacher and grabbed the elfs shoulder and tossed him. Suddenly a bolt of lightning and rocks shot through his shoulder from catching the air and absorbing electricity from the current. Making the rock heat and melt through the armor shooting through Zilos. Stepping backwards he dropped his axe. Standing there he started breathing heavy he turned towards the enemy rider and snarled with a command like some older brother caring for another brother. “Get out of here now before you wind up getting into a fight with another Rider, your energy won’t last much longer.” He said looking at the elf.

“If you don’t mind…My name is Zilo, Warrior of Varden, I would like to know your name Rider…So that in the future I may be able to spar you evenly. I will not die here today.” He said picking up his axe through the pain he had now with the rocks damaging his one good arm. He would fight until this battle was done. And would continue fighting, till he saw all Riders freed from the king’s control, that is if he lived that long. But he had no doubt in his mind that he would. Though if he continued to risk his life for the enemy riders, like he had just done for the rocks that exploded from the castle, and reached that far out piercing his armor he wouldn’t last too long, or so he thought.

Reaching over he pulled out a small pouch of wine and poured it into the open wound canceling the bleeding and nulling the pain. Standing there he swung his axe a few times testing it out. He knew if he didn’t over exert himself right now he would be fine. Turning towards his master he nodded and smiled. “I’ll be fine for now. They need you at the front lines. Help them there. I will take care of the Empire soldiers that still linger here and meet you up there. Until then take care Elda.” He said smiling and turning around revealing underneath his armor the symbol of loneliness. His master and the elf probably knew he wasn’t going to stop until he saw the king dead.

Standing there he heard something crash and turned slightly to see a dragon falling into the buildings. Blinking slightly he saw that the front was open and smiling slightly he turned to the person he was fighting before. “Sorry but I gotta run. There seems to be a way into the city.” He said smiling and running around his Elda and his opponent. Brining his axe around he started cutting down Empire soldiers as he continued to run closer to the wall the thicker it got. Freeing some varden warriors around him he continued to push forward. He didn’t know what to expect. But freeing some from the never ending combat they took follow after Zilo. Seeing the man come by gave them the chance to get through as well. The forces cutting a swift line through the Empire Soldiers he made it to the front in time to see the Vardens general up close and personal.

Catching his eye he stood there watching her. He hadn’t seen another human with the tanned look to their skin as him. She was almost exactly like him but a bit darker. Shaking his head he turned his attention back to the gates that was opening. Filling inside he looked around seeing varden and empire bodies on the ground alike. Fighting through the center of the mass he didn’t know exactly what to think anymore. They where so close to making this battle theirs. But at the same time with their forces tiring like this they might not make the final stretch. Taking deep breaths he had no clue what he had gotten himself into. Turning around he noticed that there was some archers still up on the wall and one shooting the others. Smiling he turned his attention back to the front of him only to catch a glimpse of a mighty dragon coming out of the ruble. Standing there watching the giant black dragon growl.

He felt a sudden uneasiness about the dragon but suddenly it changed when he felt its mind brush out to touch the other dragon. Hiding behind his own thoughts that gave him a shield of seeming darkness, with the feeling or hate, agony, fear, vengeance, and even sadness filled in around his mind protecting him. Keeping in mind what had happen to his father and what the kind said. Growling he took a few steps forward and bypassed the dragon seeing no harm from it. He continued further into the frey of Empire and Varden soldiers….

[Emiryal ♕]

Firern's suffered no injury from Raziel and Levonla's attack. His wards held as fire harmlessly appeared to surround him and as Raziel's claws stuck him they stopped half a foot from their target. Firern was surprised. Void had easily over come the wards. But after that attack Emiryal had changed the wards and poured more energy into them than before. Firern knew the wards would soon drain Emiryal of his strength, the energy cost for his current wards was high.Firern roared and tried to snap at Raziel's rider when they engaged and claw at his foe's shoulder trying to tear muscle. Before a full scale attack broke out between them Raziel changed course. Firern roared again and took pursuit. He wouldn't let either of them harm his Rider.

He guarded his mind careful to avoid any contact with either of them. He rushed at Raziel's wing and tried to tear the thin golden membrane of flesh. It wouldn't be fatal but it would hurt.



Emiryal felt little need to respond to Zilo, he had the matter of apparently Zilo's mentor now or soon would. Emiryal had no need to consider Zilo's words as even a possibility. Galbatorix could capture anyone he wanted to. Emiryal had met him and his strength and pride was not un-earned.


He watched as his dragon rushed Raziel when Levonla jumped to the ground near him. "Traitor perhaps from your view," he said. He glanced at the golden dragon above. No one could understand his reason for having sided with the Empire besides Firern. And it was not a memory he would share with anyone or care to bring to light.

"Studying magic for years? Then this might be interesting. I have studied it for decades," Emiryal told Zilo when he had explained a little about Levonla. He wasn't about to flee from Levonla. If he left the other rider would wreck havoc on the empire soldiers and he couldn't abandon them to go kill some possibly empire-friendly Varden."I will look forward to that spar then but I fear my day of freedom shall never be."

Emiryal was surprised by Zilo's sudden move that saved him from the bolt. In the move Emiryal had fallen to the ground. He stood up as Zilo spoke. "I cannot," he said in the ancient language. He could not leave now as Zilo wanted him to. "My energy will be sufficient." He had Firern's strength and that of his Eldenduri, Isikal. In that moment Emiryal nearly uttered waíse heill to heal Zilo. He had already drawn on his energy and only needed to mutter the words. Firern snapped at him in his mind and stopped him. Zilo was still an enemy as far as the battle was concerned. Emiryal and Firern were forbidden to show any mercy towards an enemy. "Emiryal," he said instead to answer Zilo's question. Then watched Zilo leave.

He faced Levonla ready for any attack both physically and magically. So Zilo was Levonla's student? This would prove interesting then. Zilo had not managed to harm him at all, would Levonla manage to do better against him. Granted he was a Rider but rider or not, Emiryal wasn't going to back down.

[Kathena]

Swords clashed and blood flooded out of wounded warriors as battle raged infront of her. She hated it, but enjoyed it at the same time. It seemed like ever since she had joined the Varden there was always a battle to fight, or a problem to solve. Silis, being a creature who always had sorrow, or even nothing, happening in her life adored it. Helping the Varden and finding her adopted sister were the only things Silis wished to live for.

Silis Blackwalker stood as a pitch black cat, her sleek fur shimmering in the sunlight. Her emerald green eyes were narrowed, and her teeth bared. Her long, silver claws were unsheathed. She had to strain herself not to arch her back, but it would just look silly. She raked the ground with her claws, ready to leap at an Empire warrior if they came near. It didn't seem like the Varden had any chance, and they probably did not. But she had to fight, she wanted to fight. A werecat seemed to have no where to go with all these Urgals and Dragons around. Why, they would trample her in a second! She wanted to fight along side of another one of her kind, but that wouldn't happen. She hadn't seen another werecat since her mother died. She had never seen a werecat tribe or anyother werecat.

Slowly, Silis lift her fuzzy paws and began to pad forward."I've sat around to much," she muttered to herself, her bright green eyes staring at the raging battle. Her slow walk turned into a run as she made her way into the battle, her claws scraped the ground as she went. Grunting as the skin on her pads threatened to snap, the black cat strolled into battle, ready to pounce.

[Darren]

"More than years, Zilo." said Levonla curtly, "I have been studying the Ancient Language for over a century!"

Speaking a few words in the Ancient Language, he armed his spear with a spell that would break through any wards on his opponent. The spell he spoke was one from a hidden writ he found while studying in one of the great libraries of Ellesmera. It's name was "Enchantments of the Dauthdaertya."

"You will not stop the Varden in capturing Belatona!" exclaimed Levonla, spear glowing with a nimbus of gold light.

"Thrysta!" he shouted, waving Thieren at Firern, Emiryal's dragon. As the magical attack struck at his wards, Raziel attacked, claws gouging at Firern's wards, attempting to destroy them. The heat of the dragon's fire warmed Levonla's face as he flicked dirt up into Emiryal's face, attempting to stun him. Levonla then attacked, with both his spear and his powerful mind, stabbing at Emiryal's conciousness.

The blade of Thieren slashed at Emiryal's side, cutting through most of his wards like butter, causing them to burst into flame.

"Flee now, Emiryal. You would not dare fight me! I am Levonla Elessar Tinuviel, son of Lord Golradir. You must have heard of me, I am one of the most powerful spellcasters in Du Weldenvarden, trusted by Izlanzadi Drottning." he cried, raising Thieren for another strike.

[Emily Drachen]

Emily flinched as Levonla assaulted her mind, but she kept her mind calm. She knew if she panicked that he would see secrets that wouldn't do well in the light of day, but she did flash something in her mind as he attacked; a vision of a frightened little girl, watching her adopted parents die. Then, suddenly he pulled away, and Emily turned to watch as Varden soldiers cut into the city. She grinned, but soon that grin disappeared when a golden dragon emerged from the clouds, spitting fire. Void caught sight of him and reversed his course. Void shot a word towards Teirar Forget what I said, Dragon-Scales. This is war. Their plans would be changing now. Emily muttered a curse, her mouth in a grim line. As soon as Raziel and Levonla left, Void reigned fire down upon the Varden who were breaking in through the hole Emily had made, before landing in front of her, growling. His teeth were bared and fire and smoke was slowly pouring out of his mouth.

Emily frowned and sighed, her shoulders dropping. She hadn't the slightest idea what to do now. Fight independently and destroy Varden ranks, or fight with Void. She looked at Void and nodded; they would fight independently for now, but now they would not be helping. They would now protect this city instead of playing around with Elves. She pulled out her dagger, and Void kneaded the ground with his claws to sharpen them. She turned towards the hole she had made, and Void turned the opposite, growling as he spotted a group of Varden soldiers before jumping towards them, using his claws to rack through their ranks. As Void did his part, Emily pulled out her dagger and began to swiftly move through the ranks of the Varden streaming inside the city. She didn't land any death blows, but mostly maimed their men. Void released a jet of black fire, frying any men that tried to kill him.

Soon Emily was bleeding, but she kept going, her orders starting to sink in. She didn't have a choice anymore; She couldn't risk suspicion among her master, no matter what.

[Zilo]

Standing there he noticed the dragon starting to attack the men around him. Growling to himself slightly he knew that he wouldn’t be able to block the dragons attack even if he had enough wards from his master. Standing there he noticed a dead varden warrior still clutching a shield. Picking it out of the man’s dead hands he clenched it close to himself and then heard the men screaming behind him. He turned in enough time for the Shield to catch something slicing but bouncing off of it shortly. Starring down he caught a glimpse of a girl. And the strength she had.

Suddenly a feeling over came him and turned back to see the giant dragon. She was his Rider…. Drawing back he stood there sorrow filled his heart. Not for the men she maimed but because yet another Rider has come abound to him. Stepping back slightly from the blow of the dagger he stood there looking at her. His axe at his side in no position to swing. Let alone cause any alarm of danger towards her he looked away. “I don’t want to fight anymore Riders….” He said starring at the girl now probably in front of him.

Standing on guard just incase he knew it was pointless to talk to a Rider controlled by Galbatrox. The symbol on his arm reminded him that he shouldn’t care. But for some reason the girl in front of him and the man back there had made it where he didn’t understand. “Please….Just stop….” He said looking at her. Suddenly looking he saw an Varden archer fire a arrow towards the woman. Side stepping he stuck his arm out getting a solid thunk as the arrow hit. Turning his attention to the archer, “Do not harm the Riders…They are much stronger than any of us can handle!”

Standing there with his axe in the ground standing at his nose he stood there watching her. Waiting if she made anymore movement, his axe reach was a five foot eleven inches he had but. Taking off about 6 of those inches for the fact of his hand sliding up to get a better grip than the bottom, meaning it was a reach of only five foot five. Standing around the girl seemed to be men listening to his order. They turned and continued to fight in the other direction from the both of them. He stood there sadness in his eyes. “Attack me if you must…But I will not take from a Rider what is most dear to them.” He said knowing this could cost him. Maybe he should of let the arrow hit her. But he had decided against that.

[Emily Drachen]

Emily hadn't been paying attention to anything around her except the blow of her dagger until she felt it bounce off a shield. Frowning, she jumped back slightly and looked up, her dagger at her side, her arm slightly numb from hitting the shield with too much force. She flinched as she had to keep looking up until she found the mans face. She backed up a step, switched her dagger to her left hand, and held it so it was bent into her side, but the blade pointing at the man. She kept her black eyes on him as he spoke, seemingly unmoved by his words. His first words confirmed that he was indeed, an odd person. Glaring, she slightly lowered her dagger, but his sudden movement made her lift it again until she saw why. She watched as he blocked an arrow aimed for her, then told the archers not to attack them.

She took a step back, her gaze distrustful. She wasn't sure who or why he was just standing there, when he could have killed her easily with that giant Ax. She gazed at it for a second wearily, frowning. She was sure she wouldn't have an easy time landing a hit with his shield, which meant that would be her first thing to do; take out his shield. She would easily do it with magic, but she never really enjoyed battle with magic to begin with. But...she looked him up and down one more time quietly; she would need magic for this, she was sure of it. She gazed at his wounds for a second. Maybe fighting him with magic wouldn't be necessary. He didn't seen like he could take another blow, no matter how big he was.

His words confused her slightly; he was almost just like Levonla, talking in the midst of battle and refusing to fight her, even though she was an enemy. These people are crazy. The Varden is getting wimpier every second, aren't they? She silently shot the thought to Void before closing up her mind from his raving. It had only taken a second for her to see all the battle rage he was putting into this fight. It slightly upset he was getting so worked up, but now she couldn't think about it. She returned her full attention to the man, taking another step back and widening her stance, placing a few stronger wards around herself. She frowned and looked at him a second, judging by were he came from and were Firern and Levonla's golden dragon were, then a small grin spread across her face as the puzzle pieces fit back together.

".......You must be Levonla's pupil? Your the boy who was attacking Emiryal and Firern, aren't you?" Her words were like poison, her eyes on fire. She would have to make short work of destroying his shield, which she could do. Hopefully.

Diving forward, she quickly moved under his shield arm, twisting herself around so that her face was facing upwards, and thrusting her dagger up to stab him in the arm. It wasn't a completely diabolical move; she just wanted to remove his shield.

[Zilo]

Standing there just for a second he watched the girl speak in his direction about being Levonla student. And that he was the one attacking the boy back there. Standing he watched her move and spoke while lunging forward all the sudden. Feeling her twist under his arm he stood there not doing anything. A dagger drove up under his arm making him lose grip on the shield. Dropping it he stepped forward making the knife slice and skim out of his skin.

Standing there he turned around and sat his axe on the ground once more and moved his arm out of the way and stood there pointing to his axe. “If you wish to kill me stab me here.” He said indicating towards his heart and then he pointed to his neck. “Or you can slice me here.” Pointing higher up he pointed at his chin. “Or possibly even stab me here.” He said sitting down on the ground and starring at her with eyes that showed no concern about his well being. It pained him so much about how the riders where forced to fight under Galbatrox rule. And he was tired of fighting them.

The girls words sank in and he shook his head. “Aiy, I was fighting him. But I wasn’t the one that attacked. He came down attacking the soldiers and chose to fight me.” He said starring at her and lodging his axe in the ground in front of him at an angel where he took his one good arm now. His left one and rested his head on his hand. “But, do as you wish now. I got no more fight in me. I can’t stand this anymore. Too much killing, to many riders and dragons paining themselves to fight another.” He said showing a general direction of his hand.

Looking back at the sky he noticed that the soldiers where staying away. Seeing the man that had cut through a good amount and led his men that where dying from before, just sit there and allow himself to be attacked, he had no more care about anything now. Freeing his mind letting her do as she wanted if she choose to attack by mind, by blade, or by magic. None of it mattered to him. He was tired of seeing them all in pain. If by something he would end this and possibly at the cost of his life right here. Starring directly at the girl he released his grip on the axe letting it fall beside of him. “Your pain is obvious. You speak with poison yet in your heart. You believe if you could you’d kill the king in an instant.” He said shaking his head an returning his gaze back towards the battlefield.

Looking back out towards the field he saw Levonla. Sitting there fighting just like he was before. Shaking his head he turned back to the girl and said. “Well whats it going to be already. Get your duty over with…Kill me and go back to killing the rest of these men like pigs.” He said his words heavy to any heart no matter how cold. He sat there resting. He didn’t have any reason to fight this Rider. He knew he was outclassed by a landslide. And that he couldn’t even begin to challenge them on magical grounds. The best bet right now was another Rider, an elf, or even a Kull to fight them. But a human what was he thinking. This was a battle of the races. And a human in the midst of this…it was stupid to even think….

Standing back up he looked at the girl and picked up his axe into a position where it showed no harm to her and he smiled. “But hell…Why give up now when I’ve come this far and haven’t been taken down by anyone yet?” He said smiling and standing he looked at her and stood there for a second he spoke. “I will not fight you…But I will not allow you to kill me so easily.” He said smiling and looking at her. “My name is Zilo, warrior of Varden. I will fight just like my men are doing here. And if that means I must hold you off I will!” He said taking a stance that seemed to be determined. He didn’t care how many times she cut him he would be still standing.

He would protect as many people as he can to hold this rider off in battle. “If I can hold you where you are, I feel that I may be able to actually get you free of this curse. A curse where you have to kill even against it, if I hold you here long enough till the Varden capture the city. Then I will be able to keep you from killing anymore people.” He said smiling at her. “Though by how you maimed the men you probably got something against us. But I guess that won’t change my mind.” He said with a small teasing in his tone considering he remembered what he had done to them. Pulling the axe up with his left hand he set it on his shoulder. His left hand was his strongest and fastest. Meaning it was perfect for defense like this.

Standing there he noticed something an archer had disobeyed his order and fired and arrow off at the girl. Swinging his axe with all the speed he had it went down fast and stopped right above her shoulder as the arrow bounced off. “And in return I will protect you from any harm or any soldier.” He said starring at her. He didn’t want to be so blunt. But he had something in his mind. That he would protect her with all he could. He didn’t want her to suffer. Or even her dragon for that matter. He wanted no Rider or dragon to fele pain. “Men! Go ahead of this place. Stop attacking this Rider and that dragon! Go and head towards the castle. I will do what I can.” He said turning his attention back to them.

The determination in his eyes was something that you wouldn’t expect from the man that was just sitting down. He didn’t know what to do he spoke to the girl. “I guess I have this to say about you. I think you’re a good honest woman.” He said starring at her. He was serious he hadn’t said that about anyone. But to have a dragon that seemed to be so attached to his Rider. He knew that she had to be a good woman. Taking a stance and drawing his axe back to his shoulder he stood there. “Don’t think, I will let you by so easily.” He said smiling. “Best me and you will be able to continue your killing. But know this, I respect you and your dragon here and now for choosing to stand and fight rather than you have a distasteful kill.” He said getting serious.

He smiled at her with a small glimmer of hope in his eyes. "And by not letting you kill men, I will hope that your true name changes." He said smiling towards her. "I plan to free you and your apprentice from his grasp."

[Kathena]

Silis paused in mid-leap to glance at Emily, Zilo, Levonla, and Emiryal. It seemed to be the only interesting thing going on in the battle, but she didn't join them. She just stood there and watched. Riders, spellcasters, and humans are so confusing. She thought to herself blinking her shimmering emerald green eyes slowly. Why offer to let someone kill you when you can just strike at them? To much talking, just fight. She commented to herself as she twitched her light pink nose. Yet, she didn't know. She wasn't ever include in all the Empire talk. She wanted to know more, to be wanted as an ally, but she didn't care much. As long as she was needed every once and awhile that was good enough for her. She wished that she could meow to Zilo or Levonla to ask them what was happening, but she would interupt their train of thought. And she would never ask Emily or Emiryal. She wouldn't dare to talk to an Empire warrior. The thought made her shiver.

The sun hit her pitch black fur making it sparkle slightly and making it heat her up. Letting a small yowl leave her muzzle, she snapped it shut quickly. The sun is going to burn my pelt of. She thought with a small growl. Glancing at the four creatures one last time, she slowly looked around. She wanted to find someone to fight. Hopefully a creature of a small race or a human. Never a dragon rider. She wouldn't last a moment fighting one of those. Maybe she would be fast enough to deliever the rider a few strikes, but the dragon would probably burn her, eat her, or step on her. And the rider would slash her with a sword or even just throw her off... Shaking the thought away, the black cat glanced around, claws unsheathed. She would bare her teeth but that would just look silly. Beside, no one might even want to fight her. She was no match for half the warriors on the battlefield. Looking around once more, she let out a small meow. As if to say, 'Does anyone need any help?

[Rhaxta]

The din was painful. If you weren't distracted by protecting your hide whichever way you could, it would feel like you'd be deaf within minutes.

Fortunately, Svelt had spent most of the last hour in the middle of a crushing melee with the thirty of his kinsmen present and so only just noticed his headache.
''You get used to it,'' grumbled one of the elders who had seen his strained look.
''What, after you're dead?''
''Calm, young one. What else did you expect from battle?''
Svelt bit his lip, holding back a sharp response.
''It's okay to be nervous, lad.'' Spoke the elder, his voice a little softer now. Svelt was still young, and this was his first major battle. He had been with the lad for several skirmishes and many a hunt. His clan-brother- Felun - had fallen when Svelt was still a boy. He had become a nephew to him, and cared for the boy as an uncle.

He knew the fear in the boys heart; and he was feeling some of that same fear now. He had not been affected by battle in such a way for years, yet seeing his young adopted nephew, looking so small carrying his father's war-Axe left him fearful for the boy.

''The nerves will enhance your reflexes, and give you a great battle-lust when the fight truly begins. You must embrace it and it will lend you it's strength.''

~~

The dwarf groups from the Western side had moved up, and according to Nasuada's orders were next to go in through the gates after the Urgals. Both Dwarves and Urgals had been dubious of this plan at first, yet Nasuada, Gharzvog and Grimmstborith Orik had eventually convinced them. It left both races relying heavily upon the other during battle, the Urgals to continue moving forward and distracting the majority of the Imperial defenses whilst the Dwarves moved in to open the gates and eventually move along the walls taking every fortification and war-machine they could along the way, destroying those where they had no choice.

It seemed a good idea and one that would help increase the trust between the races. You had to trust your shield-mate, just as he trusts you.

~~

Svelt seemed to relax ever so slightly, signified only by his white-knuckled grip loosing ever so slightly.
''All right, Irek. I trust you, old man.''
A deep chuckle like rocks shifting escaped through Irek's deep copper beard.
''Aye, age before beauty, whelp. Throw yourself into it and get carried away on the tide of war!''
He threw up a fist and released a great, rallying cry to the dwarves surrounding.

''Forward!''

~~
The thirty dwarves made their way through the gates, splitting in half to proceed up the two bordering fortifications. One group appeared, their signalman from the top gesturing back toward the Varden forces.

''Good, the dwarves on the Western gate-house are ready.'' She frowned, pitch dark eyebrows writhing slightly and wrinkling her forehead.

Elva released a weak little cough. Nasuada turned to her and her eyes widened with concern. The girl was ghostly pale, the only thing left in her with any luster was her eyes, the violet pits deep and shining with emotion. She was still affected by what remained of Eragon's spell. Nasuada felt a little blossoming of long-growing affection for the girl, that even through her enforced turmoil she still - in the end - wished to keep her 'gift' to help her and the Varden.

Nasuada went to speak but the girl quickly shook her head, a few beads of sweat scattering from her brow as she did so.

''Don't. I shall be fine, Nasuada. I wish to do this.''

Once again, it was as if the girl could read her mind. Nasuada felt a little better about putting Elva through this, yet felt slightly embarrassed and guilty that the girl could simply look at her and know exactly what ailed her. She would really only be two years old now, which was easy to forget as Elva had in that time grown to the size and features of a girl around ten years old.


Nasuada looked back to the gates just as the dwarf signalman for the eastern tower appeared.
''Ready the men, Jormundr. Someone signal the riders and tell them it's time to try and lure the Empire riders to the West!''

Nasuada turned in her saddle, looking back to the silken black figure who surely should have been in a rumpled heap upon the field. Blodgharm; his lithe body coated with silken black fur stood a ways behind her along with five other Elves. Nasuada nodded gravely at Blodgharm, and he dipped his head to signal his understanding. He then skulked off, the other elves gracefully keeping step with him.


~~

The great sapphire dragon appeared above the city of Belatona, suddenly bursting from a thick cloud formation. In a feat of beautiful flying, the dragon - after it's straight-as-an arrow decent straight toward the bone-crushing earth- corkscrewed out of her dive. As she straightened, the dragon went to snatch at the side of one of the towers along the eastern wall of the city. A great bellow and torrent of blue flame erupted from between the dragons jaws as she successfully pulled a great chunk of rock from the towers side. It twisted as she passed, and with a great cacophony of screaming wood and rock slowly tumbled, crashing down and through the outer wall.


A great bugling cry and another torrent of blue flames erupted from between her jaws, casting shadows upon the small figure of her rider between her mighty wings. She swiftly spiraled upwards, putting a great distance between herself and the war-machines along the walls that had just taken aim.

~~



Vulnar's eyes widened as he caught a flash of sapphire light. The sun reflecting off a blue dragons back. He outwardly snarled, yet that was only because the blood rage had set in somewhat. Inside, he was smiling. A Wicked old thing that would twist his lips and set his eyes a-glimmer if it showed upon his face.

He had only noticed a moment before Freki, for as he leaned forward to shout to her his front was pressed painfully against her back as she threw herself upwards with a great beat of her leathery wings. A great screeching roar tumbled through her mouth just before it was punctuated by a tongue of flame.
''Me first, I saw her first!''[/b]

She was still young at heart, dear Freki. Yet due to the magics in Galbatorix's possession and his own enhanced rank, Vulnar was riding a year old dragon that was bigger than Thorn. Certainly less bulky, but she was great in wing and she had great, powerful back legs and a tremendous lung capacity. She did love fire, she was forever toying with it, curling the twisting tendrils about her tongue.


''Of course, my d-,'' the words were torn away with the torrent of wind made by Freki's massive wings. She twisted through the air and tore away to the north, just as the sapphire dragon descended upon the city with her mighty wrath.

[Kathena]

[Sorry it is so short, she's not really doing anything interesting right now...]

The unusually large black cat watched with her priecing green eyes as the Urgals and the dwarves run into the raging battle. It seems like everyone is fighting but me. She observed, opening her jaw into a gaping yawn. Snapping it shut as if to crack a bird's neck, she twitched her pink tinted nose.

"At least more Varden warriors are coming. Some might start a fight they can't handle so I can go help. I mean, I can never be to self-confident. I'm a werecat. I'm twince the size of a normal house-cat and I have purrfect claws."

Then she scowled at herself slightly before continuing with a small huff.

"What am I saying? Of course a Empire soldier could beat me in battle!" If they had really good luck and were a spellcaster, maybe. She thought as a side note to herself. Slowly, she hopped onto her stiff pads and glanced around her eyes narrowed. The little pep talk she gave herself seemed to be boosting her confidence, which was good in her part.

Just then she watched as the beautiful blue dragon flew above the battle in the city. Was it Saphira? She didn't know, but she hoped so. She liked watching her and her rider fight, it was quite entertaining.

It's time for me to join in, I suppose. She thought, excited but rather disappointed. Stretching the young adult werecat glanced around with her emerald green eyes. Flexing her claws, she bounded out of the spot where she took cover to watch and into the mists of war. Next warrior of the Empire I see I will go fight. She promised herself, flicking her sleek black tail.

[Emiryal ♕]

"Maybe, but I'm sure going to try to stop the Varden anyway," Emiryal said. As Thierern came at him he tried to dodge, but the field was littered with the dead of both sides and left less room to move easily. He gritted his teeth as the blade taxed his wards then broke them before Thierern sliced through his black armor and into his soft flesh.
Pain was nothing new to Emiryal, but then again he had never fought another rider before now. He hadn't expected such force and power in the blow. He quickly lifted his sword and blocked the spear. "Letta," he muttered as the dirt was thrown at him. It would've been foolish to try casting that on Levonla but the dirt was another thing. It stopped in mid air and fell down in front of Emiryal.

Emiryal's mental defenses were already up. The attack did not surprise him. He easily blocked Levonla's consciousness. Emiryal's strongest point had always been his ability to block other minds. His captors hadn't been able to break him and he wouldn't let Levonla break him either.

"Of course I've heard of you," he snapped letting one of his twin rider swords flick towards Levonla for a slash on his arm. "But that doesn't change anything, I will not flee." A deep sadness swept over Emiryal's expression as Levonla mentioned Du Weldenvarden. Emiryal had grown up there until he was captured by the Empire and he knew that he would never be allowed to go back.

He raised Domia, his sword, just in time to black Thierern. With that moment he jabbed Ebrithil, his other sword, at Levonla's chest.


Firern roared as he felt the magic strike his wards. He knew Emiryal would be trying to keep the wards in place still. He knew Emiryal had cut his mind off from him and Isikal and in doing so he couldn't draw on their energy to maintain his spells. He wanted to touch Emiryal's mind and help him but when he went to do so he found Levonla attacking his rider's mind. He couldn't talk with Emiryal without the risk of letting Levonla win the invisible battle.

In frustration he lunged for Raziel trying to bite his neck. He was the size of a dragon of only one year, but his experience was much less than that. With the tampering of the Empire his growth had been accelerated and in doing so he had less experience than a dragon of one year would have.

He avoided most of Raziel's attacks. He didn't want to tax his wards or Emiryal's strength more than he had to. He felt claws strike the wards but no harm came to him. Why had Emiryal put so many wards on him?! Firern knew that his rider couldn't keep up that kind of energy for long at least not without Iskal's help.